Winner of NATIONAL DISABILITY SERVICE, 2018
Excellence in Innovation Award
Video of the National Disability Awards WA, 2018.
Holly Bridges was working overseas and her award was accepted by a colleague.
WHAT PEOPLE HAVE TO SAY…
PROFESSOR STEPHEN PORGES
Professor of Psychiatry.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
“I became acquainted with Holly in 2014, when she contacted me to evaluate a prepublication copy of her book, Reframe Your Thinking Around Autism: How the Polyvagal Theory and Brain Plasticity Help Us Make Sense of Autism.
Since I developed Polyvagal Theory, I was curious how she would distill the concepts of theory into an accessible volume that would be helpful to those on the autism spectrum, their families, and the therapists and educators who support them. In reading her book, I realized that Holly had a gifted presentation style that enabled her to communicate the optimistic and important principles of the Polyvagal Theory.
Holly continues to refine her clinical style, embodying aspects of Polyvagal Theory, that enable her to support her clients’ journey to have richer lives and to experience the benefits being safe enough to co-regulate with others.
Focusing on witnessing the client’s biobehavioral state and providing cues of safety through own presence and accessibility, she has successfully expanded the range of the social behavior and resilience”.
DR. GERARD COSTA
Former Director, Centre for Autism and Early Childhood Mental Health.
Montclair State University, New Jersey
“Holly is an incredible thinker and a sought-after consultant and interventionist with neurodiverse children and families. However her skills as a writer and presenter are extraordinary.
She is warm, engaging and energetic with the capacity to teach about very complex topics in very understandable ways.
One of her special gifts as a presenter is her use of simple line drawings of human and brain/nervous system structures and functions, making the complex interactions come alive, making incredible sense to participants with varying levels of knowledge.
Holly is one of those rare “translators” of science into application and practice. She teaches professionals and families and supports those with developmental difficulties with deep understanding, passion and care.
She is a gift to our work.”
IN THE PRESS
Irish examiner
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IACP
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Professional Recommendations
for Holly Bridges and A.R.T.
The Insurance Commission sponsors the Excellence in Innovation Award at the Disability Support Awards because we want to promote new and improved care approaches that can improve the lives of Australians. Innovation is key in ensuring the disability sector continues to deliver effective and efficient outcomes to people living with a disability. Holly Bridges’ work has been acknowledged by the Australian government’s disability insurer for ‘Excellence In Innovation’. Ms Bridges won the award for her neuroplasticity work that helps people with disabilities improve their physical and social presentations. Ms Bridges has also been recognised internationally for her book ‘Reframe Your Thinking Around Autism’ which outlines this work.
KANE BLACKMAN
National Disability Service (NDS) Commission Secretary
Holly delivers her therapy expertly and with immense thought and empathy. Her ability to engage online with extremely sensitive and fragile individuals is to be highly commended.
DR. WENDY ALLEN
BSc(Med) MBBS MPH FRACP
Consultant Paediatrician and Paediatric Allergist
Holly offers something that no one I’ve ever met before has discovered. She has a profound and personal understanding of the embodiment of our threat response to the difficulties and challenges of our lives, and has invented a way to make contact with it.
SELA WEAVER
Somatic Psychotherapist
I am seeing real progress and improvement in their quality of life because of the work Holly has done and the knowledge she has provided.
MEGAN ROBINSON
Area Manager, My Supports, WA
Holly continues to refine her clinical style, to enable her to support her clients’ journey to have richer lives and to experience the benefits of being safe enough to co-regulate with others. She has successfully expanded her clients’ range of social behaviour and resilience.
PROFESSOR STEPHEN PORGES
University of North Carolina
Creator of The Polyvagal Theory
Holly is one of those rare ‘translators’ of science into application and practice. She teaches professionals and families and supports those with developmental difficulties with deep understanding, passion and care. She is a gift to our work.
DR. GERARD COSTA
Former Director, Centre for Autism
Montclair State University
Holly’s work is astonishingly effective and apparently very simple. The results are extraordinary.
DR LEKKIE HOPKINS
Feminist academic and grandmother
Holly Bridges’ neurodiverse therapeutic approach, celebrates diversity, tapping into the innate intelligence and helping them to make the most of their gifts.
SUSANN KEATING
Registered Psychologist, General Psychology Services
Support Coordinator, My Supports, WA
Holly’s work is the epitome of person centred. She sees the whole person. It’s wonderful to have someone who can offer an alternative to the usual therapies and have such amazing results.
LEANNE BRIDGES (no relation to Holly Bridges)
Holly Bridges was among the first who was aware that the Polyvagal model needed to be expanded, in ways Prof. Porges himself now also recognises. I have watched Holly diligently refine and progress her novel therapy with a high degree of integrity over the past seven years.
DR. MAARTEN AALBEERSE
Somatic Therapist, France
I highly recommend Holly Bridges. Her innovative technique and book have significantly advanced the field. Holly’s deep commitment and unique approach make her work both impactful and accessible.
PROFESSOR EMERITUS TARQUAM MCKENNA
BEd., PGradDipDramaEd, MEd, PGradDipArts, MA (HolyNames), MA (ECowan), PhD, MTESOL
Ms. Bridges’ skilful implementation of Polyvagal Theory in her practice is truly exemplary, demonstrating a rare ability to foster a sense of safety and connection in her clients.
SEJLA MURDOCH
Senior Psychologist, Deputy Director, Australian NeuroFeedback Institute
Holly’s work aligns with the growing neurobiological evidence that treatment tailored to change occurring in regions of the brain beyond language are potent and enduring. Holly has extended her sphere of influence in the field, with tenacity and integrity.
LOUISE ‘LOU’ GRANT
Counselling Psychologist / Somatic Experiencing Practitioner